Lime hawk-moth vs Poplar hawk-moth
These two are easy to mix up. Here's how to tell a lime hawk-moth from a poplar hawk-moth, and whether either one bites or stings.
Lime hawk-moth
Mimas tiliae
Poplar hawk-moth
Laothoe populi
≠The key differences
Poplar hawk-moth is grey to buff without the dark green central blotches, and rests with its hindwings sticking out in front of the forewings, showing a rusty-red patch.
Similar angular resting shape, but forewings are pinkish-green with dark green central blotches; caterpillars feed mainly on lime trees.
⚖︎Side by side
| Lime hawk-moth | Poplar hawk-moth | |
|---|---|---|
| To humans | Non-toxic | Non-toxic |
| Size | Wingspan 70-80 mm | 70-100 mm wingspan |
| Colours | Pale green, Olive, Pinkish buff, Brown | Grey, Brown, Pale cream, Orange-buff (hindwing flush) |
| Family | Sphingidae | Sphingidae |
| Habitat | Parks, avenues, gardens with lime trees, woodland edges, hedgerows | Riparian woodlands, poplar and willow plantations, parks, gardens and hedgerows where host trees occur |
| Range | Widespread across Europe and into temperate Asia; common where mature deciduous trees occur | Palearctic: most of Europe and temperate Asia eastwards |
| Active | Mainly late April to July (one generation in most regions); adults nocturnal and active after dusk | Mainly spring to late summer depending on location; adults are nocturnal and fly at night |
| Pest? | No | No |
🔍How to spot a lime hawk-moth
- Wingspan 70-80 mm with triangular forewings and variable green to brown mottled colour.
- Scalloped forewing edge and a dark green central band, often broken into two blotches.
- Caterpillars large and bulky, bright green with yellow diagonal side stripes and a bluish tail horn; they turn brownish before pupating.
- Active at night and often attracted to light; rests with wings held flat at rest (typical sphingid posture).
🔍How to spot a poplar hawk-moth
- Large sphingid moth with wingspan 70-100 mm and stout body
- Hindwings swept forward under forewings when resting, producing an angular triangular outline
- Grey or brown mottled forewings with transverse lines; rusty-red patch at the base of the hindwing
- Caterpillars green with rough skin, yellow diagonal side stripes and a yellow tail horn
?Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a lime hawk-moth and a poplar hawk-moth?
Poplar hawk-moth is grey to buff without the dark green central blotches, and rests with its hindwings sticking out in front of the forewings, showing a rusty-red patch. Similar angular resting shape, but forewings are pinkish-green with dark green central blotches; caterpillars feed mainly on lime trees.
Is a lime hawk-moth or a poplar hawk-moth more dangerous?
Lime hawk-moth: Non-toxic. Poplar hawk-moth: Non-toxic. Adults and caterpillars are harmless to people. Not dangerous to people.
Identification from photos is never certain: don't handle insects you can't identify, and get medical advice for bites, stings or allergic reactions.